Weekend Warrior

With spring in the air, it’s time to bag the excuses and hit the pavement, or trail, running. And with so many events throughout Central New York, there’s no shortage of opportunities to get out and get healthy.

The best part about the many races in CNY is the range of abilities they accommodate. You don’t have to be a professional runner to participate in many of these very manageable courses. And, if you are the wildly competitive type, there are also enormous races with world-class runners available for you to go toe to toe with the best.

Here are just a few to consider in May. Keep an eye out monthly for our highlighted races, so you can plan your competitive calendar.

May 4: The Mountain Goat – This massively popular Syracuse-centric race hosted 3,600 runners in 2013 and more than 400 volunteers. With a 10-mile run, 3K run/walk and kids half-mile run/walk, there are options for every participant. Costs for entry range from $8 (for the kids run) to $65 for both the 10 mile and 3K. For more information, visit mountaingoatrun.com.

May 10: Socci Stiletto Stampede – Now in its third year, the Socci Stiletto Stampede is both a race and a party. Started in the memory of Katie M. Socci, the event features a 5K through Onondaga Lake Park as well as a 50-yard Stiletto dash (believe it – both men and women can run like the wind in 6-inch heels). Hunter and Josh from KRock’s “The Show” will emcee the very loud and proud event that has raised close to $50,000 for the Katie M. Socci Memorial Scholarship. Advanced registration is $35; same day registration is $40, and includes chip-timing, T-shirt, water, snacks, live music and a free first beer at the after party at White Water Pub. For more information, visit soccistiletto.org.

May 11: Cortland Mother’s Day 5K – For those with athletic mothers, the gift of racing could be the perfect start to her day. This mellow route around Cortland is also a fundraiser for the Kim Ryan Leonard Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information, visit cortlandymca.org.

May 24: Kettle Lakes 15K – This race is not for the timid! This trek around Song Mountain’s Kettle Lakes in Tully is scenic, bringing racers up a 250 ascent, reaching a max elevation of 1,287 feet. There will also be a 1.5 mile walk/run. Registration is $30. For more information, visit crmcraces.com

May 26: The 23rd annual Veterans Memorial Day 5K – While parades are traditional on Memorial Day, this race mixes athletics with tradition. This point-to-point race starts before the annual Camillus Memorial Day Parade and goes right past the procession and spectators, finishing at the historic Sim’s Store at the Erie Canal. For more information, visit townofcamillus.com.

May 31: Runapalooza – All around the country, rock n’ run half and full marathons take place, making the distances a little less painful as bands perform along the course. Fleet Feet took this concept to Onondaga Community College, where their annual 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk take place. Bands post up along the route, entertaining runners as they sweat their way through the course. Registration is $30 through May 29 and $35 the day of. For more information, visit fleetfeetsyracuse.com/runapalooza.

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